1st Gen. Ram - All Topics Discussion for all Dodge Rams prior to 1994. This includes engine, drivetrain and non-drivetrain discussions. Anything prior to 1994 should go in here.

Went and looked at a nice 92, raised a few questions

Old Jul 13, 2004 | 04:04 PM
  #1  
Don H's Avatar
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Went and looked at a nice 92, raised a few questions

The body is near perfect, paint looks fresh, white is my top choice in factory colors.

There are a few dents in the bed from camper handling, but I plan on a camper install so you wouldn't be able to even see these dents.

A spray-in bedliner has been installed (over the dents).

Starts fine and runs strong, I thought I wanted an automatic but now I'm straddling the fence, I could go with a stick in the right truck.

111k original, vin# checks out, the motor appears bone stock.

The interior is red, which I hate, and it doesn't have the buckets I like, but I decided to not worry much about the interior, I will change it to my tastes.

What is doesn't have is power windows and door locks, but I realized sitting in the truck that I can easily reach the other door, so maybe I don't care about those two features.

No cruise control or power mirrors. This is a real hang-up for me.

I know I can do aftermarket CC, has anyone installed one on one of these trucks?

Is it even possible to install power mirrors? Junkyard parts, maybe?

I know the turbo housing is different from 92 to 93, are there any other important changes between those two years?

There is no tilt wheel either. Drag.

I believe there is a repaired hole from a gooseneck. This has always scared me off. Is that an actual concern or am I just being paranoid? I always heard gooseneck meant huge loads, and wear and tear. There is also a surge brake control installed.

There seems to be some sort of diiferental cooler on the rear. I've never heard of that one, could that be right? The salesman said "cooler", all I saw was the trick pan, but there was a hose headed off somewhere.

It has nice alloys, and excellent BFG AT/TAs with "D" load rating, and is all set up for me to drop a camper right on it.

I really wanted to make a low-ball cash offer, but I think the lack of tilt, CC, and power mirrors kept me from doing so. Shame.

Seems like part of me is still considering it, and another part has ruled it out. My shizophrenia isn't helping.

One of these days I'll own one of these trucks.

Edit: Forgot the link-

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...or=&cardist=17
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Old Jul 13, 2004 | 04:17 PM
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i would pass on that, not worth the month for all the options missing that you want. just my .02

jiMMy
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Old Jul 13, 2004 | 04:33 PM
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From: New Holland, PA
My truck had aftermarket cruise on it when I got it, it sucked. It was an electric setup that was too twitchy. I ripped it all out last weekend. I never use it because it is annoying, and I was sick of looking at the lousy install work. Make sure to use a vacuum style setup even if the box says it won't work on a diesel - that's part of the reason Dodge put vacuum pumps on 'em.

If you can find a late 1st gen (gas or diesel) with the power mirrors and tilt column, there's no reason they can't be swapped in, it's only work. As long as you get the switch and the mirrors you're good to go, actually the mirrors and switch don't even need to be out of an old Dodge. I gotta say that I don't use my power mirrors much, I put them where I wanted them when I got the truck.

To find out for sure if the truck had a GN hitch, crawl under and look for a hitch or the remains of one. Old trucks usually just have a big "C" channel welded between the rails. Whoever fixed my bed did such a good job I didn't notice until I was installing my exhaust and saw the hitch plate. The mileage is low, so I wouldn't be real worried even if it did have a GN hitch.

Other than the turbine housing I can't think of any significant changes.

I guess the question you have to ask is "Do I want a project truck?"
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Old Jul 13, 2004 | 04:46 PM
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Ditto on the gizmos, I put them where they work and they dont move, except for the windows of course. Remember, less stuff to break IMO. I feel your paranoia on the towing end, but its pretty hard to find one that hasent been worked a little. Pull the diff plug and check the lube.
Looks like a nice rig, but for 10K it should be and not a rolling project for you.
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Old Jul 13, 2004 | 04:54 PM
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Don H's Avatar
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It's funny how I think I HAVE to have certain features, until I see a nice truck without them.

Cruise is a must, in Utah, everywhere is 500 miles away.

Power mirrors would help me on the interstate at night, the headlights behind me just mess with my head, I don't know if lights are brighter, or if I'm just older, or what, but I have to adjust them.

I thought I had to have a tilt wheel so I could remount the seat back a few inches.
Being 6'4"+, I don't fit in anything, so I thought maybe a club cab and move the seat, but after sitting in one, I realize if the seat was back further my view-left would be right into the pillar. Hmm...

You guys make me think. My head hurts.

Edit: I hear you Apache on less stuff to break. I used to hate the power stuff, a victum of GMs fall-apart 70s interior I guess. Now I'm older and lazier.
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Old Jul 13, 2004 | 05:09 PM
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From: Diamond Springs, ca
heck, i am young a nd lazy and love the power stuff! but after finding mine for 4grand i know they are out there.

jiMMy
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Old Jul 13, 2004 | 06:52 PM
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From: Claremont, Virginia
Just picked this one up for $7000.

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...cat/500/page/1
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